The aim of this work was the investigation of suitable technological solutions in the field of renewable energies in an Andean region of Peru, where the lack of resources and means is a not negligible issue. Part of the work included on field activities in partnership with Apurimac ONLUS association, based in Rome (Italy). Concrete support in the realization of this project was found in other local associations. The study, after a preliminary general feasibility study, focuses the attention on the design and the development of a low-cost biogas plant for rural areas from pig and cow manures. In that case, the combustible was used to improve the users living conditions.
TPG contributed in many phases of development, with a specific contribution in optimization activities and monitoring campaign, including an observation of the main technical parameters used in the construction of the plant (internal temperature, solar radiation, insulating materials, digester buried level, …). Furthermore, some innovative solutions have been evaluated for heat recovery: in particular TermoElectricGenerator (TEG) was investigated. Such a system is compatible with the needs and requirements of the studied region, in order to meet a small electricity, need from an energy recovery. This was made possible by an advanced study of a Peltier thermoelectric modules, capable of converting thermal energy into electrical energy, of which various configurations have been studied.
The designated area will measure about 3 hectares and will include a dormitory, suitable for about 70 people, several teaching classrooms, some laboratories, kitchen, refectory, recreation’s rooms and a community area. As anticipated, the project will foresee the implementation of some renewable energy solutions able to meet, fully or partially, the local energy requests as far as electric and thermal needs are concerned. First of all, a biodigester that will cover the entire thermal energy supply of the entire structure and will be used for domestic applications (mainly for kitchen). The biodigester has been designed by University of Genoa and will be realized in next months. The organic matrix, input for the digester, will mainly comes from animal manures with some addition of agriculture discards. The interesting thing of this project will be the redaction of a simple instruction manual for the daily utilization of the plant together with a smart guide to settle the correct dosages of the inlet.